willpower
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willpower
The ability to control one's own will and impulses in order to achieve a set goal, even against resistance or temptations. It is the inner strength that helps you stay disciplined.
Es erfordert viel Willenskraft, mit dem Rauchen aufzuhören.
It takes a lot of willpower to quit smoking.
This word consists of 'Wille' (will; in the genitive 'Willens') and 'Kraft' (strength/power). So it literally means 'the strength of the will.' The '-s-' in the middle is a linking element that connects the two parts.
Um ein Ziel zu erreichen, braucht man die Kraft des eigenen Willens, also Willenskraft.
To achieve a goal, you need the strength of your own will, that is, willpower.
'Willenskraft' (willpower) is often combined with verbs such as 'haben' (to have), 'besitzen' (to possess), 'brauchen' (to need), 'aufbringen' (to muster), or 'beweisen' (to prove/show). Typical adjectives are 'stark' (strong), 'groß' (great), or 'enorm' (enormous).
Sie hat eine unglaubliche Willenskraft bewiesen, als sie für den Marathon trainierte.
She showed incredible willpower when she trained for the marathon.
An infinitive construction with 'zu' (to) is often used to describe what the willpower is needed for. The pattern is: 'die Willenskraft haben/brauchen, um etwas zu tun' (to have/need the willpower to do something).
Er hatte nicht die Willenskraft, die Diät durchzuhalten.
He didn't have the willpower to stick to the diet.
determination
Entschlossenheit shows that someone is firmly determined to pursue a goal. Willenskraft focuses more strongly on the inner self-control needed to remain disciplined despite temptations or resistance. Entschlossenheit fits a firm intention to act, while Willenskraft fits controlling one’s own impulses.
Jana zeigte Willenskraft und lernte weiter, obwohl ihre Freunde sie zum Ausgehen einluden.
Jana showed willpower and kept studying even though her friends invited her to go out.
Mit großer Entschlossenheit begann Jana, sich auf die wichtige Prüfung vorzubereiten.
Jana began preparing for the important exam with great determination.
